(Livonia, MI) – Concordia football continued their season with a road contest at Madonna. The Cardinals were firing on all cylinders and cruised to a 58-13 victory in the match, securing the Michigan MSFA trophy after defeating all three of Lawrence Tech, Siena Heights, and Madonna this season.
Jalen Smith threw for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns while running for 77 yards and a TD. Brandon Stewart set a new personal best with 185 rushing yards and added 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec). Shondel Hardnett notched 44 rush yards and a touchdown. Seeger DeGayner added 28 receiving yards and a touchdown.
On defense, David Cagle and Liam Karry tied for the team lead with 7 tackles apiece. Vernon Ragland added a 33-yard fumble return touchdown.
Concordia kicked off to Madonna to begin the game. After the defense forced a punt, Brandon Stewart broke a 36-yard run through a hole in the defense on the first play from scrimmage. Stewart punched in an 11-yard touchdown on the ground to open scoring.
Madonna tied the game with a scoring drive that took 6:47 off the clock. The Cardinals responded with two big plays again, starting with Seeger DeGayner taking a handoff for a 29-yard gain and then catching a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Smith.
Early in the second quarter, Concordia put together an 11-play, 87-yard drive ending with Brandon Stewart making a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Both defenses continued to hold each other in check and CUAA led 21-7 at halftime.
The Cardinals began a 27-point third quarter with a scoring drive on their opening possession. Brandon Stewart broke a 45-yard gain which eventually set up a 7-yard rush TD from quarterback Jalen Smith.
Despite a 15-yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff, CUAA special teams executed a successful onside kick. Brandon Stewart took a hook-and-lateral on a pass to Donovan Johnson and went 32 yards for the touchdown.
Madonna was able to add another touchdown, but Concordia special teams made another impact when Seeger DeGayner made another electric return for an 84-yard touchdown.
Shondel Hardnett capped an 8-play, 74-yard drive with a 27-yard rushing touchdown to close out scoring in the third quarter, putting CUAA up 48-13.
Casey Rauch kicked a 34-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Cardinal defense got into the action when Vernon Ragland picked up a fumble and rumbled 33 yards for a touchdown. Concordia claimed a 58-13 win as time expired.
Concordia will celebrate Senior Day next Saturday, November 12 when they host Saint Francis (IN) at 1pm.
